As a part of NEDO projects, Tohoku University and Mayekawa Mfg. Co., Ltd. have devised and developed a new “hybrid energy storage system composed of electric and hydrogen energy storage systems,” which combines the effective utilization of renewable energy at normal times and the ability to be a power source during emergencies. These dual functions are achieved by combining a hydrogen storage system and an electric power storage device. Demonstration tests were launched at the Sendai City Moniwa water purification plant.

Going forward, NEDO aims for the realization of next-generation purification plants, in which stable, continuous operation is possible even during power outage caused by disasters, by achieving the practical application of this system, which is a form of Power to Gas systems that use electric power obtained from renewable energy to produce and utilize hydrogen.